Pages

Monday, September 21, 2015

Surigao Norte LGU inks MOA with 4ID, PA for
insurgency-free province

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 21 (PIA) - A Memorandum of
Agreement (MOA) on the declaration of Siargao Islands as ‘insurgency-free’ and
Surigao del Norte as ‘conflict manageable and ready for further development’ is
signed on Sunday in General Luna, Siargao between the provincial government of
Surigao del Norte led by Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) chairperson
and governor Sol Matugas and Task Force Diamond, 4th Infantry Division (4ID),
Philippine Army (PA) represented by Col. Henry Dar.

According to Gov. Matugas, the signing ceremony in
the declaration of the island as insurgency-free is history in the making
wherein said areas are given the proof of reality that indeed stable and
habitable. " Such feat is never easy to achieve. I would like to attribute
this to the disciplined and loving people of Siargao and Surigao del Norte who
painstakingly perpetuate and preserved the time learned values of respect,
love, pride of place, solidarity, generosity, and most of all religiousity. I
also commend and recognize the Army forces for their best efforts in planting
the seed of peace in the island of Siargao where east meets west,” underscored
Matugas.

In a provision as contained in the MOA, Siargao
Island has never been influenced by the CCP/NPA/NDF (CNN) as its
politico-military infrastructure does not exist. The insurgent’s armed group
has ceased to exist and there has been no record of terroristic and NPA
initiated violent incident for the past years. Likewise, lawless criminal
activities have come to a very manageable level which the PNP can ably address.

“The leadership of the Philippine Army (PA)
through MGen Oscar Lactao and the Philippne National Police (PNP) through PCSupt
Vert Chavez and their officers and staff have made a big difference in the
province. Today, we stand with pride here in the island as we celebrate the
recognition you accorded to this world gem of beauty and adventure – Siargao,
an insurgency-free island,” articulated Matugas.

It can be recalled that a Joint Recommendation
Report (Declaration of Siargao Island as Insurgency-Free Province) dated
September 20, 2015 was passed and approved by the SDN-PPOC. It aims to build
confidence among the people and the stakeholders in order to create an
environment that is conducive to socio-economic, political and cultural
development, free of CNN influence.

“Thank you to the Phil. Army, PNP and Department
of Interior and Local Government for the job well done and for working with us
in sustaining peace and security in Caraga region," said Gov. Matugas.

Along with the inking of MOA, all other local
government officials of said areas also affix their signatures on the board of
pledge as a manifesto of their unrelenting support by providing quality
service, and ensuring the preservation of peace in homes/communities and
environmental possessions abound its province. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

The manifesto aims to strengthen the Indigenous
Political Structure in accordance with the Indigenous Knowledge, Systems and
Practices; and to express commitment of support for the peace and development
government programs.

According to Sultan Julius Mabandos, chairperson
of Indigenous Peoples Economic Union, the manifesto is just one of the steps of
the chieftains to attain sustainable peace and development in the indigenous
cultural communities in Caraga and also their commitment to help the Armed
Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) to fight
against violence.

Moreover, 4ID spokesperson Captain Joe Patrick
Martinez said the military in coordination with the PNP is also exerting
unified effort for law enforcement operations.

“The Army and the police force are here for unity,
peacekeeping and protection of our people,” Martinez added. (DJA/PIA-Caraga)

Cop killed, another hurt in SurSur NPA ambush

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Sept. 21 (PIA) – A
policeman was killed while another was hurt in an ambush launched by New
People’s Army (NPA) rebels at Purok 5, Poblacion, Cortes town, 30 kilometers
north, this city, at around 9:00 a.m. on Friday, September 18.

According to P/SSupt. Narciso Verdadero, PNP
provincial director, four of his men on board a PNP vehicle were conducting a
routine patrol when waylaid by an undetermined number of armed rebels.

Despite the heavy volume of fire, the policemen
were still able to trade shots with the enemy forces that lasted for about 15
minutes, killing SPO4 Jesus Labastilla and also wounding PO2 Joy Turaja in the
process, it was learned.

Upon learning of the incident, clearing and
pursuit operation was immediately launched by both PNP and 36th Infantry
Battalion (36IB) of the Philippine Army (PA).

Relative to this, at about 3:30 p.m. of the same
day, nine personnel of the Provincial Police Office (PPO) on board a patrol vehicle
led by P/Supt. Edwin Noguera, deputy provincial director for operations (DPDO),
while passing through the national highway at Sitio Banbanon, Barangay Matho,
Cortes town, were land mined, which exploded five to 10 meters away right after
the vehicle passed by.

Reportedly, the team was able to return fire with
no casualty; however, the vehicle had sustained minor damage.

Earlier, at about 12:10 p.m., a special operations
team from the same office led by P/Insp. June Hontanosas, provincial
investigation and detection management (PIDM) division deputy, together with
P/CInsp. Karen Virtudazo, chief of Provincial Crime Laboratory Office and
P/SSupt. Pedro Urbano Obaldo, Jr., deputy regional director for administration
(DRDA) conducted a crime scene investigation that was able to find 21 fired
cartridge cases; eight fired bullet fragments; one ammunition link; and a stone
with blood stains.

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Sept. 21 (PIA) –
In line with the government's efforts to recognize thousands of Filipino
seafarers working here and abroad, the stakeholders of the maritime industry
here are celebrating the National Maritime Week from Sept. 20-27, 2015.

The event, which is anchored on the theme:
“Edukasyon at Pagsanay sa Maritima: Kabalikat sa Patuloy na Kaunlaran," is
spearheaded by the provincial station of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)
Surigao del Norte, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and Philippine Ports
Authority (PPA).

PCG Surigao del Norte Lieutenant Commander
Geoffrey T. Gervo said the celebration is aimed to give tribute to all the
seafarers and stakeholders who contributed much to the country’s economy and to
promote maritime safety for travelers and the entire maritime sector.

One of the highlights of the week-long celebration
is the conduct of the Basic Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) on September 24 to
be participated by selected rescue volunteers of the province.

The National Maritime Week is celebrated by virtue
of Proclamation No. 1094, consolidating the celebration of the National
Seafarers Day (NSD), National Maritime Day (NMD) and the National Maritime Week
(NMW), making the celebration more significant and more inspiring.
(SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)